Truss chord and truss system with ribs and radiuses

ABSTRACT

A truss chord includes a facing surface with ridges, sides with ridges, and an attachment surface on the side to attach to frame members. The truss chord transfers the weight to the frame member, and the truss chord helps prevent lateral movement relative to the frame member. The truss chord is made of extruded aluminum, and includes a flared section at the interface between the facing surface and the side that forms an arc, and a portion at the end of the side in the shape of an arc. A truss chord system includes top and bottom truss chords connected by square tubing frame members.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application No. 61/145,179, filed Jan. 16, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to trusses and, more specifically, to a truss chord and truss system with ribs and radiuses.

In current systems, truss chords for trusses to support roofs or floors are square or rectangular in shape, having flat facing plates, right angles and squared-off edges. It would be desirable to have a truss chord with elements for improved strength.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a truss chord to transfer weight to a frame member includes: a facing surface; a first ridge on the facing surface; a side fixed to the facing surface; a second ridge on the side; and an attachment surface on the side, adapted to attach to the frame member; wherein the truss chord transfers the weight to the frame member, and the truss chord helps prevent lateral movement relative to the frame member.

In another aspect of the present invention, a truss system to support a weight includes: a top truss chord including a facing surface having a ridge, a side fixed to the facing surface having a ridge and an attachment surface, a flared section at the interface between the facing surface and the side having a portion forming an arc of a circle, and a portion generally in the shape of the arc of a circle at the end of the side distal from the facing surface; a bottom truss chord including a facing surface having a ridge, a side fixed to the facing surface having a ridge and an attachment surface, a flared section at the interface between the facing surface and the side having a portion forming an arc of a circle, and a portion generally in the shape of the arc of a circle at the end of the side distal from the facing surface; and a plurality of frame members; wherein the top truss chord transfers the weight to the frame members and the frame members transfer the weight to the bottom truss chord.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of supporting a weight includes: providing a top truss chord including a facing surface having a ridge, a side fixed to the facing surface having a ridge and an attachment surface, a flared section at the interface between the facing surface and the side having a portion forming an arc of a circle, and a portion generally in the shape of the arc of a circle at the end of the side distal from the facing surface; providing a bottom truss chord including a facing surface having a ridge, a side fixed to the facing surface having a ridge and an attachment surface, a flared section at the interface between the facing surface and the side having a portion forming an arc of a circle, and a portion generally in the shape of the arc of a circle at the end of the side distal from the facing surface; and attaching frame members to the top truss chord and bottom truss chord so as to transfer the weight through the frame members to the bottom truss chord.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an end view of a truss chord according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts an end view of a roof truss system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of a roof truss system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts an oblique view of a roof truss system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of a roof truss system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts an end view of a floor truss system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of a floor truss system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 depicts an oblique view of a floor truss system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The preferred embodiment and other embodiments, including the best mode of carrying out the invention, are hereby described in detail with reference to the drawings. Further embodiments, features and advantages will become apparent from the ensuing description or may be learned without undue experimentation. The figures are not drawn to scale, except where otherwise indicated. The following description of embodiments, even if phrased in terms of “invention,” is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but describes the manner and process of making and using the invention. The coverage of this patent will be described in the claims. The order in which steps are listed in the claims does not indicate that the steps must be performed in that order.

An embodiment of the present invention is a truss for housing and commercial buildings, made of truss chords and other frame members. The top truss chord holds up a roof or flooring, and the bottom truss chord rests upon the header or foundation of a building. The frame members cooperate with the truss chords to form a support structure that transfers weight from a roof, flooring, or other load, onto the top truss chord, onto frame members between the top and bottom truss chords, onto the bottom truss chord, and then onto a foundation, header, or other base. The truss chords are horizontal or inclined spanning members, and carry tension and bending stresses in a way that make the truss system strong. The frame members press upon or are pressed upon by the truss chords to transfer the weight from one truss chord to another.

In an embodiment of the invention, an extruded aluminum truss chord has ribs and radiuses for strength. A rib is a ridge that runs longitudinally, down the length of the truss chord. A radius is a curved or radial element, which may provide superior strength to an equivalently-sized element having only right angles. Hold-down or locking clips may be attached with self-tapping screws. A top plate may be attached with bolts or self-tapping screws. This may also improve the resistance to wind and wind shear forces.

As depicted in FIG. 1, an embodiment of a truss chord 10 includes a facing surface 12 with facing ribs 14, and sides 16 with side ribs 18. The facing ribs 14 and side ribs 18 run parallel, down the length of the truss chord 10, and are separated by a predetermined gap. The truss chord 10 has non-squared flares 20 at the interface between the facing surface 12 and sides 16, and non-squared side ends 22 at the ends of the sides 16, distal from the facing surface 12.

The sides 16 of truss chord 10 include non-flared, flat sections 24, which are substantially perpendicular to the facing surface 12. Side screws 26 or another attachment mechanism may be used to immovably attach the flat sections 24 of the sides 16 of truss chord 10 to a frame member that sits inside the truss chord 10. An embodiment of a side screw 26 may be a self-tapping screw, which creates its own thread as is advanced.

The flares 20 in truss chord 10 are radius elements that appear like non-squared bulges or curves, and include a portion that is generally in the shape of the arc of a circle, to provide strength. The side ends 22 are also radius elements, being curled and generally circular.

As depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the facing surface 12 of truss chord 10 may support a load such as a floor or roof. The flares 20 provide strength in reaction to downward vertical forces (top pressure) and lateral forces (side pressure). The side ends 22 provide strength in reaction to upward forces (bottom pressure) and lateral forces (side pressure). The facing ribs 14 and side ribs 18 also provide strength in reaction to these pressures. Thus, the ribs and radiuses may provide lateral support, to help prevent the truss chord from moving from side to side relative to the frame members, as well as support for the load itself.

In an embodiment, truss chord 10 is made of extruded aluminum. Other embodiments are made of strong, light materials that can be extruded or forced through a die to form a single piece, such as aluminum-based alloys. Truss chord 10 may be inverted and rest upon a header or a foundation to support a truss system.

As depicted in FIG. 2, an embodiment of a roof truss system 30 includes a top truss chord 32, a bottom truss chord 34, and square tubing 36. The two sides of the truss chords 32, 34 have flat sections 24 that act as attachment surfaces, and are spaced apart so that the square tubing 36 can be placed between the truss chords 32, 24 and attached with side screws 26.

The facing ribs 14, the side ribs 18, the flares 20 and the side ends 22 provide strength to the truss chords 32, 34. When combined with the square tubing 36, this provides strength to the roof truss system 30.

Locking clips 38 hold bottom truss chord 34 down against the header of the building. Locking clip screws 40 attach to the bottom truss chord 34, square tubing 36 and the upper part of each of the locking clips 38. An embodiment of a locking clip screw 40 may be a self-tapping screw. In the case of a metal header 42 (e.g. a commercial building or home), sheet metal screws 44, or bolts with washers, hold the locking clip 38 against the header 42. In the case of a wood header 46 (e.g. a home), a lag bolt 48 with nut and washer hold the locking clips 38 against the header 46.

In an embodiment, any or all of the truss chords 32, 34, square tubing 36, or locking clips 38 are made of extruded aluminum or aluminum alloys. Other embodiments have support frame members other than square tubing 36, such as rectangular or round tubing, or solid frame members.

As depicted in FIG. 3, an embodiment of a roof truss system 30 includes a top truss chord 32, a bottom truss chord 34, and attached square tubing 36. The facing surface 12 of top truss chord 32 holds up an attached roof 50, and bottom truss chord 34 sits upon a metal header 42.

Locking clips 38 hold bottom truss chord 34 down against metal header 42. Locking clip screws 40 attach bottom truss chord 34 to the locking clip 38. Sheet metal screws 44, or bolts with washers, hold the locking clip 38 against the header 42.

In one embodiment, the truss chords 32, 34 are attached to the square tubing 36 with side screws 26. In another embodiment, square tubing 36 can be welded to truss chords 32, 34 at weld points 52, instead of using side screws 26.

In the embodiment of a roof truss system depicted in FIG. 3, top truss chord 32 is at an angle relative to the bottom truss chord 34, so that the top truss chord 32 may support a sloping roof. The square tubing 36 cooperate with the truss chords 32, 24 to form triangular and other shaped support structures that help transfer the load of the roof 50 from the top truss chord 32 to the bottom truss chord 34, and from there, to the header 42.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a roof truss system 30 from an oblique angle. Top truss chord 32 is at an angle to bottom truss chord 34, which rests upon a wood header 46. Walls 54 hold up the header 46.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a roof truss system 30 from side angle. Two top truss chords 32 are sloped, and meet at an apex. The top truss chords 32 transfer weight from a roof or other load to square tubing 36, which in turn transfers the weight to bottom truss chord 34. Roof truss system 30 may be prebuilt and moved into place, or may be assembled during installation. Multiple roof truss systems 30 may be utilized to build a commercial building or home.

Top truss chord 32 is at an angle to bottom truss chord 34, which rests upon a wood header 46. Walls 54 hold up the header 46.

As depicted in FIG. 6, an embodiment of a floor truss system 60 includes a top truss chord 32, a bottom truss chord 34, and attached square tubing 36.

The facing surface 12 of top truss chord 32 supports attached flooring 62, and bottom truss chord 34 sits upon foundation 64. Locking clips 38 hold bottom truss chord 34 down against foundation 64. Locking clip screws 40 attach to the bottom truss chord 34, square tubing 36 and the upper part of each of the locking clips 38. Foundation bolts 66 hold the locking clip 38 against the foundation 64.

As depicted in FIG. 7, an embodiment of a floor truss system 50 includes a top truss chord 32, a bottom truss chord 34, and attached square tubing 36. The facing surface 12 of top truss chord 32 holds up an attached flooring 62, and bottom truss chord 34 is attached to foundation 64.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the height of the truss system 50 is adjustable by changing the lengths of square tubing 36.

FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of a floor truss system 50 from an oblique angle. Top truss chord 32 is parallel to bottom truss chord 34, which rests upon a foundation 64. Top truss chord 32 supports attached flooring 62.

Embodiments of the invention may be connected using self tapping screws or welding.

Embodiments come in different sizes. The cost could be less than the cost of steel or other metal systems. Embodiments could be all-recyclable.

Embodiments of the invention may be used for handrails, gates, hunting huts and other products. 

1. A truss chord to transfer weight to a frame member, comprising: a facing surface; a first ridge on the facing surface; a side fixed to the facing surface; a second ridge on the side; and an attachment surface on the side, adapted to attach to the frame member; wherein the truss chord transfers the weight to the frame member, and the truss chord helps prevent lateral movement relative to the frame member.
 2. The truss chord of claim 1, wherein the attachment surface the side is substantially perpendicular to the facing surface.
 3. The truss chord of claim 1, wherein first and second ridges run longitudinal to the truss chord.
 4. The truss chord of claim 1 further comprising: an attachment mechanism to immovably attach the attachment surface to the frame member.
 5. The truss chord of claim 4, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a plurality of self-tapping screws that penetrate the attachment surface and the frame member.
 6. The truss chord of claim 1 further comprising: a flared section at the interface between the facing surface and the side, a portion of the flared section forming an arc of a circle.
 7. The truss chord of claim 1 further comprising: a portion generally in the shape of the arc of a circle, at the end of the side, distal from the facing surface.
 8. The truss chord of claim 1 further comprising: a second side fixed to the facing surface; a third ridge on the second side, running longitudinal to the truss chord; and a second attachment surface on the second side, substantially perpendicular to the facing surface and adapted to attach to the frame member; wherein the first and second sides are positioned upon the facing surface to allow the frame member to be placed between the first and second sides and be attached to the first and second attachment surfaces.
 9. The truss chord of claim 1 wherein the facing surface and side are made of a single piece of extruded aluminum or aluminum alloy.
 10. The truss chord of claim 1 further comprising: a third ridge on the facing surface, running longitudinal to the truss chord, separated from the first ridge by a predetermined gap.
 11. The truss chord of claim 1 further comprising: a flared section at the interface between the facing surface and the side, a portion of the flared section forming an arc of a circle; and a portion generally in the shape of the arc of a circle, at the end of the side, distal from the facing surface.
 12. A truss system to support a weight, comprising: a top truss chord including a facing surface having a ridge, a side fixed to the facing surface having a ridge and an attachment surface, a flared section at the interface between the facing surface and the side having a portion forming an arc of a circle, and a portion generally in the shape of the arc of a circle at the end of the side distal from the facing surface; a bottom truss chord including a facing surface having a ridge, a side fixed to the facing surface having a ridge and an attachment surface, a flared section at the interface between the facing surface and the side having a portion forming an arc of a circle, and a portion generally in the shape of the arc of a circle at the end of the side distal from the facing surface; and a plurality of frame members; wherein the top truss chord transfers the weight to the frame members and the frame members transfer the weight to the bottom truss chord.
 13. The truss system of claim 12 further comprising: hold down clips adapted to hold the bottom truss chord to a base; wherein the bottom truss chord is adapted to transfer the weight to the base.
 14. The truss system of claim 12 wherein the top truss chord is adapted to support the weight of a roof or flooring.
 15. The truss system of claim 12 wherein the top and bottom truss chords are made of extruded aluminum.
 16. The truss system of claim 12 wherein the plurality of frame members comprises extruded aluminum tubing.
 17. The truss system of claim 12 wherein the plurality of frame members comprises square tubing.
 18. A method of supporting a weight, comprising: providing a top truss chord including a facing surface having a ridge, a side fixed to the facing surface having a ridge and an attachment surface, a flared section at the interface between the facing surface and the side having a portion forming an arc of a circle, and a portion generally in the shape of the arc of a circle at the end of the side distal from the facing surface; providing a bottom truss chord including a facing surface having a ridge, a side fixed to the facing surface having a ridge and an attachment surface, a flared section at the interface between the facing surface and the side having a portion forming an arc of a circle, and a portion generally in the shape of the arc of a circle at the end of the side distal from the facing surface; and attaching frame members to the top truss chord and bottom truss chord so as to transfer the weight through the frame members to the bottom truss chord.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: attaching the bottom truss chord to a base using hold down clips; and fixing the attachment surface of the top truss chord and the attachment surface of the button truss chord to the frame members using self-tapping screws.
 20. The method of claim 18 wherein the top and bottom truss chords are made of extruded aluminum. 